How to add fractions with unlike denominators is a dynamic tool for learning fractions.  This is the fourth article in a series of eleven.  Each article is a complete lesson on fractions.  In this article your child will learn how to illustrate the addition of fractions that have unlike denominators.  By creating mathematical models, your child will gain a deeper and more concrete understanding of adding fractions with uncommon denominators.  This deeper understanding will help to ensure a successful educational career. 

Articles within this series on Fractions:

1. How to do fractions, Free Online Tutoring in Math for Understanding Fractions
2. How to Add Fractions (like 4/7 + 3/7 )
3. How to Subtract Fractions (like 8/9 – 4/9 )
4. How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators (like 2/3 + 3/4 )
5. How to Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators (like 2/3 – 1/4)
6. How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 2 & 3/4 + 3 & 5/6 )
7. How to Subtract Fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 3 & 3/4 – 2 & 5/6)
8. How to Multiply Fractions (like 2/3 x 5 )
9. How to Divide Fractions (like 6 ÷ ¾ )
10. How to Multiply Fractions (like 2/3 x 1/4)
11. How to Divide Fractions (like ½ ÷ ¼)

Hello Moms, Dads, and Teachers –
If you find this post helpful, please become a patron.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 1
Watch Me
Little Pat’s Race

You are teaching little kids how to ride mini-motorcycles.  Your best rider is Little Pat and he is only 6-years old.  Little Pat has entered a race.  He has ridden his mini-motorcycle 2/3 of a mile.  He only needs to stay in front of the pack for another 3/4 of a mile to win.

What is the total length of “Little Pat’s Race”?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Press PLAY and Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video below.  Then copy these strategies into your notes!

 

Does Your Child Need a Great Book to Read?

 

 

My son read every single one of these Magic Tree House books when he was young.  They really helped to develop his reading fluency as well as his comprehension.	I wrote this book when I was teaching in the primary grades.  It’s about a fourth grade boy who is being bullied.  He is taken to another world where he learns to face his fears. In the process, he saves the entire planet from an all-out war.	I wrote this book as a testament to myself.  I have dyslexia, and for years I felt limited by my disability.  I decided to write a novel to prove that no disability could hold me back.  Return to the Elves is a fantasy book for children in fifth and sixth grades.	This is my all-time favorite book for 6th grade. It is about a young lady in the time of the Pharos.  She is quite the heroine. This book dovetails perfectly with the sixth grade standard of studying Ancient Egypt.

Could your child benefit from a little One-On-One tutoring?

The problem below is called a “Work with Me” challenge.  This challenge encourages your child to work step-by-step along side me to solve this challenge.  All of the following challenges are called “On Your Own” challenges.  However, many of my students who struggle with fractions will do five or six of the “On Your Own” challenges as a “Work with Me” challenge.  They play the video, pause it, and copy the strategies until they feel comfortable and confident.  Doing the problems as a “Work with Me” challenge is like having a personal tutor.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 2
Work With Me
Pull  Up Pete

You are in gym class attempting to do a pull-up.  Your best friend Pete is doing great.  On his first attempt he does 3/4 of a pull-up.  On his second attempt he does 5/6 of a pull-up.

How many pull-ups has “Pull-Up Pete” done in all?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Gather your materials and press PLAY.  We’ll solve this problem together, while you watch the math tutorial video below.

Is your neck tight?

This is the prefect massager for your neck and back.  It has soothing Heat to reach those deep muscle Tissues.  The kneading pillow will give you a wonderful Shiatsu Massage on your shoulders, feet, legs, and back.
Use this Muscle relieve massager in you office, home, or car.

I have scaffold the problems in each lesson. 

The first problem in this article is a “Watch Me” problem.  The second is a “Work with Me” problem.  All the rest are “On Your Own” problems. 

*If your child needs a bit more support, they should complete the “On Your Own” problems as a “Work with Me” problem.  I have a number of students with gaps in their learning and others with a variety of  learning disabilities.  I have had incredible success, by having those students complete 5 to 7 problems within each lesson as a “Work with Me” problem.  They play a bit of the video, then pause it  and copy, then watch a bit more, pause it and copy.  My students Play – Pause – and Copy until the entire problem is solved.  This is like having a personal tutor working through each and every problem with your child.  Every one of my students who has used this strategy has passed the Common Core Proficiency Exam.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 3
On Your Own
Pumping Iron Ant

It’s Saturday.  You go outside for a day of relaxation.  You look on the ground and see an ant pumping iron.  Well, he is actually pumping branches.  You are amazed.  The first branch he pumps is 5/7 of a pound.  He throws that one away and grabs another branch.  This one is 2/3 of a pound.

How many pounds has your “Pumping Iron Ant” lifted?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Do your children get frustrated when they make a mistake?

We all make mistakes.  As a matter of fact, making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process.  This is why at the end of each of the following “On Your Own” challenges I encourage children to fix their mistakes.  Finding and fixing your own mistake is the fastest way to learn.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 4
On Your Own
Slipper Chewing Chihuahua

Your parents just bought you a Chihuahua puppy.  He is adorable, but he loves to chew on your mother’s slippers.  He eats 5/6 of her right foot slipper and 2/3 of her left foot slipper.

How many slippers has your “Slipper Chewing Chihuahua” eaten?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Do you need some comfortable shoes?

Check out the Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs with their 45 different colors!
These Water Shoes are super comfortable and easy to slip on.

• Rubber sole.
• Our iconic Classic Clog.
• Fully molded Croslite material construction for lightweight cushioning.
• Massage pod footbed feels great!
• Heel strap for a more secure fit.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 5
On Your Own
Doggie Photographer

You have a talented dog.  Not only can he frolic and bark like a normal dog, but he is also a gifted photographer.  His only problem is centering people into the frame.  He cuts off their head, or parts of their body.  Most of his photos show only the right part of the person.  But he is getting better.

His last two photos were his best.  One photo shows 4/5 of the person.  The other photo shows 3/4 of the person.

If you add these two photographs together, how many people does your “Doggie Photographer” have in his photographs?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Is it time for a relaxing cup of Tea?

Try a cup of Teavana Peach Tranquility tea.  I am sure that you will love it!

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 6
On Your Own
Larry the Lazy Kangaroo

Meet Larry the Lazy Kangaroo.  He lays around all day, that is until about 3:00 in the afternoon when he starts working out.  He does push-ups on the dry grasses, and then walks over to a low hanging branch where he performs a few hundred pull-ups, while the lady kangaroos watch.  That’s right – Larry is a show off.

Once his workout is complete, Larry measures his biceps to see how much they have grown.  Today, his right bicep grew 7/8 of an inch and his left bicep grew 3/4 of an inch.  How much did Larry the Lazy Kangaroo’s biceps grow in all?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Who doesn’t love a foot massage?

• 🦶🏽 Pain Relief for Feet, Legs, Hips, and Sciatica: Pain caused by long periods of sitting can be reduced using an under desk footrest. Switching from the hard ground to a soft and comfortable desk foot rest will help lessen foot pressure and improve circulation. Reducing swelling caused by any hard surface or foot stool for desk at work
• 🦶🏽 Ergonomic Teardrop Design for Improved Posture: Designed to fit anywhere you need support, our teardrop shaped foot rest for under desk will increase your comfort and improve your posture by elevating your legs. And the ergonomically contoured structure lets you place your feet in numerous positions to support your arches. Helping you fight fatigue
• 🦶🏽 Memory Foam and Body Heat Responsive: Our foot rest for under desk at work is made from memory foam that conforms to your specific body contours. Providing the kind of cushioned comfort and support you’d expect from an under desk foot rest. The more time you sit, the more of your body heat it absorbs, softening and supporting in all the right places
• 🦶🏽 Multi Purpose Use and Non Slip Bottom: A typical daily work desk theme is shifting and moving. That’s why we equipped our footrest for under desk with a non slip bottom. It stays in place when you need it. And to give your legs a little wake up, simply flip it over and use it as a rocker to minimize fatigue
• 🦶🏽 Easy to Remove Cover, Machine Washable: The soft velour cover is removable and machine washable and can also be thrown in the dryer on low heat.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 7
On Your Own
Cora the Swimming Coral Snake

Cora lost her boyfriend.  The last time she saw him they were swimming to an island off the coast of Florida.  They got separated in some heavy waves, but Cora saw him swimming back towards Florida.  Now that the water is calm, Cora has decided to retrace her movements through the waters until she finds her man.

Cora left the island and swam 3/7 of the way back to Florida.  Then she took a little break, because she was tired.  After her break, she swam 1/2 of the way back to Florida.

How much of the distance from the island to Florida has Cora the Swimming Cora Snake swam?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 8
On Your Own
Blue

Blue has never made a nest before.  He watched his parents make a nest, but he thought their nest-making technique could be improved upon.  His parents fly back and forth getting twigs, mud, or leaves.  They put one item into the nest and then fly off to get the next.  To Blue, this seems like a waste of time.  Blue’s idea is to collect all the twigs, and leaves and put them into two piles.

Once he has enough materials, he will build his nest.  Now, Blue has two piles below him.  One pile has 7/9 of the material needed to build his nest.  The other has 2/3 of the materials needed to build his nest.  Blue is uncertain.

Does he have enough materials?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Could you use a Portable Vacuum?

• KEEP YOUR CAR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL CLEAN! No more crumbs, dust or dirt! With the Worx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner you’ll be free of any wet or dry messes, even liquids, cigarette ashes or pet hair.
• POWERFUL YET TINY! The handheld vacuum weighs only 2.4 lbs but has a high power, 106W & 8.8 amps motor and metal turbine for the ultimate suction power. The 16ft power cord connects to the car’s 12V lighter port, for maximum coverage.
• CLEANING MADE EASY! The ergonomic design of this hand vacuum ensures you can reach all the nooks and crannies of your car. The transparent trash container makes it easy to empty it and the protective lid keeps the trash inside at all times
• The car vacuum set features 3 all-purpose nozzles, a carrying bag for easy storage, a special filter cleaning brush and a spare HEPA filter. It makes for an awesome gift for ride-sharing drivers & car lovers!

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 9
On Your Own
Mack the Muck

Mack the Muck is a wild pig.  He spends his entire day wallowing through the muddy waters.  He sticks his nose through the water and deep into the mucky-mud in search of yummy roots to eat.  Yesterday, Mack the Muck ate 3/5 of a pound of roots.  Today, he has eaten 3/4 of a pound of roots.

How many pounds of roots has Mack the Muck eaten in the last two days?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Are you a Barbecuing Machine?

• TIME SAVER – Bear Paws are the answer to perfectly shredded meat without the mess and headache of knives and forks. Easily grasp and shred pork, chicken, beef, and more with the ultra-sharp “claws.”
• DISHWASHER SAFE – Made of BPA-free nylon and heat-resistant up to 475 degrees. Never worry about your shredding tools melting near the grill or in the dishwasher.
• EASY & FUN TO USE – Lift, handle, shred, pull, and carve to your heart’s content. Excellent as turkey lifters, too!  The unique design gives you a perfect handhold for safely managing the super-sharp shredding blades.
• BBQ PRO FAVORITE – Featured on BBQ Pitmasters, Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and America’s Test Kitchen. Bear Paws have been named “Best BBQ Tool” by the National BBQ Association.
• THE ORIGINAL BEAR PAWS – The favorite BBQ accessory for years, Bear Paws are 100% made in the USA. Nobody beats the quality and strength of the Bear Paws product.
• Bear Paws will make your BBQs 100% more epic.

How to Add Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 10
On Your Own
Lapping Zebras

Cleo, Coco, and Cybil are best of friends.  Earlier today, they were attacked by a pride of lions.  The three friends ran like the wind, escaping the lions, but working up quite a thirst.  They trotted over to the watering hole.

Cleo said, “I’m so thirsty, I’m going to drink 5/6 of a gallon of this water.”

Coco replied, “I’m so thirsty, I’m going to drink 5/8 of a gallon of this water.”

Cybil said, “I’m so thirsty, I’m going to drink as much as both of you combined.”

How much water will Cybil need to lap up in order to drink as much as both her friends?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

These Socks Are Super FUN!

• DONUT MISS OUT ON THESE AWESOME SOCKS: Men and women say these colorful and comfortable Donut socks make the best gifts because they get laughs fast.
• These funky food socks are super fun and appealing – the design features a variety of donuts with frosting and sprinkles to make your mouth water! The bottom of the socks draw extra laughs when you put your feet up, revealing a hidden message printed in non-slip ink: ‘If You Can Read This, Bring Me Some Donuts.’
• But Donuts are not the only hit.  Choose from Bacon, Waffles, Chocolate, Coffee, Ice Cream, Cookie, and many more.
• ONE SIZE FITS MOST:  Fits most men US size 6-13 feet and most women US size 7 and up.
• A GREAT GIFT FOR NOT A LOT OF DOUGH: Bake up some excitement around holidays or birthdays.
• PREMIUM KNIT SOCKS: These fun socks were created with passion to avoid the sloppy edges and fraying found on other novelty socks. The premium fabric ensures they will hold up for years of wears and washes without fading, while remaining soft, comfortable and well fitting.
• LUXURIOUS COMFORT: These novelty socks are made from a super soft blend of 5% elastic, 10% spandex, and 85% cotton, which allow them to comfortably stretch. With one touch you’ll notice how these socks gently hug your legs and feet without slouching or bunching.

Drill & Kill

Here is where we Drill until we Kill all our mistakes!

1. The following problems can all be solved with the same strategies we used to solve the first ten problems.
2. Solve all four problems on each page.
3. Watch the video & correct your work.
4. Review your work with your teacher.
5. If you get all 4 problems correct, your parent or teacher may tell you that you’re ready to move to the next book within this series.

Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 11

Problem 1 4/5 + 1/4?	Problem 2 7/8 + 2/3?
Problem 3 4/7 + 11/14?	Problem 4 8/9 + 1/2?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 12

Problem 1 5/6 + 4/5?	Problem 2 1/2  + 1/6?
Problem 3 2/3 + 11/12?	Problem 4 7/8 + 1/4?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 13

Problem 1 5/12 + 5/6?	Problem 2 7/8 + 7/12?
Problem 3 2/3 + 1/4?	Problem 4 11/12 + 1/2?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 14

 

Problem 1 5/8 + 1/12?	Problem 2 3/4 + 1/5?
Problem 3 1/7+ 2/3?	Problem 4 4/10 + 3/5?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Need Help with Multiplication?

I have a series on Multiplication that is specifically designed for children who do not have all of their multiplication facts memorized.   The series is designed in a similar manner to this series on division, where each and every problem is linked to a video tutorial.  Here is a link to my series on Multiplication.

Need Help with Division?

I have a series on division that is specifically designed for children who do not have all of their multiplication facts memorized.   The series is designed in a similar manner to this series on multiplication, where each and every problem is linked to a video tutorial.  Here is a link to my series on Division.

Thank you for reading this article!

Want More Tutorials?

TeachersDungeon is an Educational Fantasy Game.  It is 100% FREE!  The game is set to the Common Core Educational Standards, and is web-based, so it can be played on any device.  Many of the questions are accompanied by tutorials like the ones you saw here.

One Last Thing

If you like this post and found it helpful, please leave a brief comment.   As a teacher, perhaps the greatest reward I receive is from parents, children, and fellow teachers who use my strategies of education and succeed.

My mission in life and as an educator is to make people feel empowered, self-assured, and happy about who they are in this world!  We all have gifts to bestow upon our world.  Go forth and do so, and know that you are awesome!

Have a fantastic day – Brian McCoy